Federal Tax Credits To Expire Soon!

November 8th, 2011

Tax Credits Expire Soon!

 

We are fast approaching the end of 2011, which also marks the end of the Federal Tax Credits for energy efficient products. From now until December 31, 2011 when you replace old, inefficient air conditioning and plumbing systems you can reduce energy output (lower utility bills!), help the environment, improve home comfort and receive a 10% tax credit, up to $500. 

In 2009, when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act created these energy efficient tax credits, they were set to expire the end of 2010.  At the final hour, they were extended through the end of this year. With the current state of the economy, however, experts doubt that this program will be extended again. 

The most significant change from the 2009-2010 tax credits involved a reduction in the cap from $1500 to $500. This cap is the total amount of credits a homeowner may claim between 2006 and 2011, not just in 2011. If a homeowner has already claimed $500 or more in credits through this allowance, they will be unable to claim new credits for improvements made during 2011.

Another change involves the amount eligible, which now varies by product. Contact us for specific product information. Another significant feature is SOLAR, which is NOT restricted to the cap for most applications. Now, you can even use the power of the sun to cool and heat your home, and get more money from Uncle Sam to help pay for it. You owe it to yourself to find out more!

This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who has a heating and cooling system 5 years or older and has wanted to make a change and wants to save money! Also, we realize the tax stuff can be a little confusing, so contact Bayonet and we can help you not only pick qualifying products, but also verify your savings.

 Don’t forget – these federal tax credits will expire on December 31, 2011!

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Solar Powered Air Conditioning Is Here!

September 19th, 2011

Solar Energy Allows You to Harness the Power of the Sun and Reduce Household Energy Costs

 Solar energy is an infinitely renewable resource that uses the sun’s rays to generate electricity for use in your home. By going solar, you can reduce your energy costs and also lower your dependence on fossil fuels, thereby making your own contribution to a cleaner environment.

 

A residential solar-energy system uses solar modules (panels), made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, to harvest the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that can be used to power your lights, appliances, your air conditioner and/or heat pump, and other electrical devices in the home.

 

BENEFITS:

  • It’s free. Solar-energy systems allow you to capture free sunlight and convert it into usable power in your home.
  • It’s clean. Solar energy can be used to heat and cool your home, but it has almost no impact on the global climate. By comparison, electricity generated by power plants produces carbon dioxide emissions that scientists say pose serious threats to the environment.
  • It reduces your utility costs. Having a system that creates solar energy means you use less electricity from your utility company, and that can contribute to lower heating and cooling costs. This is significant, especially when you consider 56% of energy use in a typical U.S. home comes from heating and cooling*.  The Lennox website has a solar calculator, that shows you how much you can save by harnessing energy from the sun.
  • It increases your energy self-reliance. The more sunlight harnessed by the system, the less electricity you need from your utility supplier.
  • It’s infinitely renewable. While nonrenewable energy sources like oil, gas and coal are becoming increasingly scarce, the sun’s energy is limitless. Wherever sunlight shines, electricity can be generated.
  • It’s extremely reliable. The sun has been around for billions of years and is likely to burn on for billions more to come.
  • It can also increase your home’s value. An investment in a solar-energy system may improve the value of your home, thanks to its ability to lower the cost of heating and cooling. Surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have shown that home values rise an average of $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.
  • Federal tax incentives available. The U.S. federal government is offering solar tax credits for renewable-energy systems through 2016.  Homeowners are eligible for:
    • Photovoltaic Energy Installation Tax Credit (25D):  30% of the cost with no upper limit on solar panel installation.
    • Additional Solar Tax (25D):  9% of the total retail cost of the outdoor unit when applying solar panels.
  • State incentives.  Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for incentives through your utility company. To find out what incentives are available in your area, visit dsireusa.org.
  • Lennox Solar Rebates.  Lennox is currently offering up to $300 off when you purchase four solar modules.**

 

*U.S. Department of Energy statistics

**Must purchase qualifying system and install 4 solar panels.  Only one bonus per installation/household.

 

 

Sources:        www.nrel.gov

                        www.lennox.com

                        dsireusa.org

                        www.eere.energy.gov/

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Watch Out For Extreme Heat

July 13th, 2011

Watch Out for Extreme Heat!

We’ve had some hot days this summer.  The heat is not only uncomfortable and inconvenient it can also be dangerous.  Take precautions and follow these important preventative tips from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

THE BEST DEFENSE IS PREVENTION

  • Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or if you take water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
  • Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
  • Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your air conditioning won’t run, call Bayonet! We offer 24-hour emergency service, 365 days a year. You will speak to an employee who has access to our records, and we have multiple technicians on call to serve you. If you’re an MVP customer, you’ll never even have to pay emergency rates. You can become an MVP today.
  • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • NEVER leave a person or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.  Visit at-risk adults at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

IF YOU HAVE TO BE OUT IN THE HEAT …

  • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
  • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
  • Try to rest often in shady areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

Sources:  www.bt.cdc.gov

www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/

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Check Out Our Blog for the Latest in HVAC Technology

May 20th, 2011

Be sure to bookmark the Bayonet Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning blog for updates on the latest advances in Plumbing and HVAC technology.

We’ll feature money saving promotions here as well.

Call Bayonet Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning for all your Plumbing, Water Treatment System,  Air Conditioning, Heating, and Indoor Air Quality  needs.

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Welcome to Our New Website

May 19th, 2011

iMarket Solutions has launched Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning’s new custom website. To learn more about how iMarket Solutions can expand your presence on the web visit: www.imarketsolutions.com

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